Na’Abba, Alaafin to launch book on Nigeria’s history

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi

Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, founder of the Lagos Business School, Professor Pat Utomi and Mrs. Elizabeth, the wife of Yoruba writer, D. O, Fagunwa, are some of the eminent dignitaries expected in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday at the launch of a book on Nigeria history.

The book is entitled: “Of Rusts and Gold: Snippets of History”, a collection of thoughts on Yoruba cultural and political history, contemporary Nigerian politics, monarchy, as well as the entrepreneurial spirits of early Nigerian traders and industrialists.

Written by Femi Kehinde, a prolific writer, politician, as well as a former member of the House of Representatives representing Ayedire/Iwo/Olaoluwa constituency of Osun State between 1999 and 2003, the book launch will take place at the University of Ibadan Trenchard Hall.

Also expected at the book launch is the Publisher of Ovation magazine, Mr. Dele Momodu and Professor Adebayo Williams. The book will be reviewed by the former Special Adviser on Media to former governor of Enugu and governor of Oyo State, Dr. Festus Adedayo.

The book compiles the life and times of many Nigerian politicians of the First Republic like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief SLA Akintola, their spouses, life travails and imperishable contributions to South West politics, economy and political values, revealing hardly known details about their governance of the Western Region which the writer said are products of deep research.

The book also dwells on the life and times of highly revered monarchs like the Olowo of Owo, Oba Olateru Olagbegi and his conflict with the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin, the Oonis who have reigned in Ile-Ife, especially the pre-monarchy lives of Oba Adesoji Aderemi, Oba Okunade Olubuse and the current occupant of the stool, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, revealing their uncommon exploits in office and tracing their ancestral historical antecedents.

In its exploration of uncommon history that is hardly known to the people, the book also traced the unique details of the life of the late foremost Yoruba writer, D. O. Fagunwa and the circumstances of his death, the early death of then Deputy Leader of the Action Group, Chief Bode Thomas, the life and times of the drummer king of Ede who authored the famous Western Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (WNBC) drumming signature tune, Oba Adetoyese Laoye; the life of exiled kings like Oba Adeniran Adeyemi II, father of the current Alaafin and the travails of Oba Lamidi before ascending the throne of his forefathers.

Ibadanland and its early history also got a chunk of treatment as one of the subjects of the book as it dwelled on entrepreneurs like Adebisi Giwa, also known as Adebisi Idi-Ikan, Salami Agbaje and the historical import of the two extremely wealthy early millionaires and their divergent views on communal and individual interventions.

Also expected at the book launch are members of federal and Oyo State judiciary, legislators, captains of industry, members of the academia, as well as the Managing Director of Mutual Benefits Assurance, who is also the book publisher, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi.